CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia has placed a freeze on the settlement of refugees from Africa, but Prime Minister John Howard denied on Wednesday that the decision was a pre-election pitch to immigration-wary voters.

More than 100 people gathered in the Footscray mall for the western suburbs’ community rally “African refugees are welcome here!” on November 10. The rally was organised in response to immigration minister Kevin Andrews' comments last month that African refugees were “not adjusting”, and the slashing of the African refugee intake from 70% to 30%. The rally demanded an increase overall refugee intake; no cuts to African immigration; and an end to the racist attacks on the Sudanese and African community. The rally was supported by the African Think Tank, Maribyrnong Mayor Michael Clarke, Eritrean Community Association, Sheik Isse Musse from the Virgin Mary Mosque, AfricanOz.com.au and the Socialist Alliance.